Join the conversation — what should state government pay for?

California’s future lies in the hands of Californians. Beginning Monday, Gov. Jerry Brown will be asking Californians and state lawmakers to forge a plan to bring state finances back in the black and provide services Californians want to rely on.

But those discussions are marked by very different views on the role of government in the lives of Californians. There is also a recognition that the state is providing services that are better provided by local government. Local government is closer to the immediate and specific needs of the community. Taxpayers understand the relationship of taxes and services better when they can see the results in their hometown.

So The Chronicle and SFGate.com are starting our series of online discussions about the future of California with this question:

What should state government pay for and what should it now pay for?

Sen. Mark Leno

Sen. Bob Huff

Sen. Bob Huff

We’ve invited Sens. Mark Leno, a Democrat from San Francisco, and Bob Huff, a Republican from Diamond Bar (Los Angeles County) to host this first discussion and answer your questions.

To join in, click on the icon below and sign in to join the discussion. You can watch the commentary stream in and you can send the moderator a question you would like to have the hosts answer.